A Vegan Mardi Gras

It's Mardi Gras season, a time for delicious foods and "le bonne temps roule". Yet it can be tricky navigation for vegetarians and vegans. Don't worry. You can still let the good times roll with some tasty meatless dishes, full of flavor and that New Orleans spice.

Jambalaya is always a must for Mardi Gras. This rich rice dish is always full of Andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp, yet these can be subbed in with vegan versions. Beyond Meat has sausages you can use while Morningstar Farms has the chicken strips. The shrimp may be a little hard to get, especially with the holiday just a few days away, You could go to Vegan Essentials, a popular vegan site, and buy the Be Leaf Shrimp. You could also make your own using sweet potato dough that's been boiled into a dulse or seaweed flakes broth. Another idea is loading the jambalaya up with different kinds of beans. Try it with kidney or black beans. Some vegans toss in some cubes of tofu for more protein. Just remember to always include the holy trinity of Cajun and Creole cooking - peppers, celery and onions. A new Mardi Gras recipe can be made with these and any kind of tofu. Add some tomato paste , garlic and cayenne pepper for some zing.This would be great over rice or even grits for a more Southern feel. Gumbo is another must for Fat Tuesday, Of course it has the holy trinity of peppers, celery and onions  but then there's vegan sausage and jackfruit , an exotic fruit with a meat like texture . It will give a sweet pear and mango. You can eliminate the last if you find that it adds too much of a sugary taste.

One of the best dishes to come out of New Orleans is the muffaletta sandwich. This originated in sicily and was brought over with the Sicilian immigrants who helped shape the city. It's a hearty combination of different cold cuts such as mortadella and salami along with different cheeses and giardiniera - a pickled vegetable salad. All of this is layered on a round Sicilian bread. However it's easily converted into a meatless feat. There are some great cold cuts from Tofurky  that can easily pass for what your deli offers. Another sub in is grilled portabella mushrooms. Giardiniera is a easy find, especially in Italian delis, however if you can't find it, try chopped black and green olives. As for the bread, Italian bread or ciabatta rolls work nicely. If you want another Mardi Gras sandwich, then think the Po'Boy.It's usually a shrimp filled one rich with remoulade - a spicy sweet mayo blend. For vegetarians, try oyster mushrooms dipped in a mix of panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal. You can add flax seeds for more flavor. These can be air fried and then popped onto a baguette cut into four to five inch lengths. Slather on  remoulade sauce made with Nayonnaise, the vegan mayonnaise mixed with  Cajun or Creole seasoning, pickle juice , garlic and hot sauce. Add sliced tomatoes, pickles and arugula lettuce.

Mardi Gras is a time for fun and fun eats. Vegetarians and vegans can easily celebrate too with all sorts of good meatless Cajun and Creole adaptations. Let the meat free good times roll!!